Signs of Miscarriage

The 40 weeks pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Loss of pregnancy in the first trimester or early in the second trimester is referred to as miscarriage. Loss of baby after 20 weeks of gestation is referred to as 'still birth'. Many times, miscarriage takes place even before the woman knows that she is pregnant. According to the statistics, about 15% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriages.

Common Causes of Miscarriage

• Chromosomal abnormalities is one of the most common reasons of miscarriage.
• Structural problems in the reproductive system do not allow the fetus to grow properly.
• Weakened cervix that dilates prematurely leads to miscarriage.
• Women who have had two or more miscarriages, have increased risk of miscarriage.
• Excessive smoking leads to health complications. Women who smoke are more likely to experience a miscarriage.
• Infections or inflammation of the uterus or fetal membranes cause premature rupture of the membranes and early labor.
• If the age of the woman is more than 35, chances of miscarriage are high. These days, women tend to delay pregnancy for education and career.
• Various diseases and disorders like diabetes, thyroid problems, systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders in the woman result in miscarriage.
• Occurrence of auto immune diseases in a woman can lead to miscarriage; because the body of the woman can erroneously view the fetus as a threat and can attack it.
• An injury or trauma, an accident or a fall can result in a miscarriage. Pregnant women need to take proper care and should follow the instructions of the doctor carefully.
• These days, more and more women are being diagnosed with uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus) which is one of the major causes of miscarriages.
• Hormonal imbalances is one of the most common cause of miscarriage. Along with certain endocrine disorders, psychological stress, obesity can lead to hormonal imbalance.
• Alcohol abuse, drug abuse can damage the body systems of the woman seriously. These bad habits can destroy the chances of getting pregnant or increase the chances of miscarriage.

Signs of Miscarriage

• Vaginal spotting, bleeding and abdominal cramps
• Cramping in the stomach can be mild, moderate or severe
• Loss of a fetal heartbeat
• Sudden lack of fetal movement
• Weight loss is another sign of losing pregnancy.
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Bleeding that includes blood clots or tissue
• White-pink discharge, with or without painful contractions for five to twenty minutes
• Breathing difficulty may be experienced by the woman.
• Disappearance of pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, morning sickness, etc. indicate loss of pregnancy.
• Abdominal pain is a common symptom of many ailments and so should not be considered as an affirmative sign of miscarriage.
• Pain in the pelvic region and the back is experienced by a woman during miscarriage. But a miscarriage without pain and cramps is also possible.
• When you approach your doctor, you might be asked to undergo a blood test. If the test results show that hCG levels have dropped down, miscarriage is almost confirmed.
• Fever, chills, foul-smelling yellowish vaginal discharge, prolonged cramping and abdominal pain indicate infection in the uterus and the condition is referred to as 'septic miscarriage'.

Remember, having above symptoms does not mean that you are going to have a miscarriage. The symptoms given here are to be considered as guidelines. A woman may experience light bleeding early in the pregnancy, and still she can give birth to a healthy baby after 40 weeks. In some cases, even heavy bleeding does not result in miscarriage.

So you should immediately see your doctor if you notice any of the above signs of miscarriage. Regular exercises and healthy diet help maintain the weight within the normal range and help avoid hormonal imbalance. Opting for a healthy diet, changing wrong eating habits, following good sleeping pattern, taking correct supplements as suggested by the doctor, can definitely help prevent miscarriages. Leading a stress-free life, avoiding alcohol consumption and quitting smoking is essential for a successful pregnancy.